The former festival committee announced in January they would be stepping away after this year’s edition.
In response, a group of community members expressed interest in joining a new committee to keep the event running.
Led by original committee member, Tracie Kyne, meetings were held on Wednesday, April 23 and Tuesday, April 29.
These meetings were an opportunity for the previous committee to explain their roles and the process of planning and running the festival, with attendees thanking them for their contributions to the community over the past 10 years.
“It was a room full of excited and passionate people,” she said.
“The previous committee have been very helpful and supportive.”
Interested future committee members also stepped forward to be involved, with a new secretary and treasurer selected on Tuesday.
The running of the festival will now operate as a subcommittee of Rochester Business Network, able to use the group’s existing insurances and structures.
Kate Lee will take on the secretary position, while Mrs Kyne is the treasurer. Further places in the committee will be filled in the coming weeks.
“We’ve made it quite clear that we can’t do this on our own, it needs to be a group,” Mrs Kyne said.
“If we don’t get that group, it won’t go ahead.”
Mrs Lee said that the second meeting was a good show of support from members of the community who are willing to keep the festival running.
“I think we’ve got the commitment now,” she said
“If they came to that meeting, they’re in.
“In how large the event is, there is a lot of roles for people to come in, you don’t have to be there from the very start, but certainly in the lead up, you can be part of it.”
The jobs required to put the festival together will be split into groups, and include tasks like social media, advertising and marketing; looking after the artists; coordinating volunteers and preparing the mural site.
A leader for each of these task groups will form the committee, attending meetings and working with the other leaders.
There has been a show of support from groups like the Lions, Rotary and Probus clubs, where members want to contribute as volunteers.
Mrs Lee and Mrs Kyne are looking forward to the 2026 edition of the event, ready to dive into the planning process.
“It is very exciting,” Mrs Kyne said.
“Future artists will be thrilled with the suggestions to date.”
Key information about the 2026 Rochester Mural Festival, including the date and theme, will be confirmed in the near future.
Membership in the committee is open, with seats at the table to contribute to the varied roles.
“We’re still looking for interest,” Mrs Lee said,
“Anyone interested can definitely reach out, especially if you’re new to town or if you’ve got new connections.”
Those interested in joining the Rochester Mural Festival committee are encouraged to reach out to secretary Kate Lee on 0429 569 820 or by contacting Rochester Business Network via admin@rochesterbusinessnetwork.com.au
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